Over time, your PS4 space becomes insufficient, and you cannot download other games. This post from MiniTool Partition Wizard offers 4 effective approaches on how to get more storage on PS4.

For PlayStation 4 players, one of the most frustrating things when downloading new games, installing updates, or recording gameplay videos is encountering a “not enough storage” message.

Nowadays, games are typically over 50GB, with some even reaching 100GB, quickly filling up the PS4’s built-in storage.

Whether you’re a casual or hardcore gamer, expanding your PS4’s storage is crucial for maintaining a smooth gaming experience.

This guide provides 4 effective methods to get more storage on PS4. Continue to read.

What’s Taking Up PS4 Storage Space?

The PS4 console’s internal drive (HDD by default) storage space is consumed by applications (games and their add-ons), saved game data, the capture gallery (screenshots and video clips), and system software.

  • Applications: This category usually consumes the most space. It includes all installed games, as well as any add-ons and updates associated with them.
  • Capture Gallery: This section stores all your saved screenshots and video clips.
  • Saved Data: This contains your actual game progress files (save files). These files are typically small but essential for retaining your game progress.
  • Themes: Any custom themes you have downloaded and installed for your PS4 interface take up a small amount of space.

Additionally, the PS4 system takes up a portion of the hard drive space (around 80GB to 100GB). This space is used to store system software, temporary files, and future updates to ensure smooth operation.

On a 500GB PS4, only about 408GB is available for user content. On a 1TB model, roughly 860GB is usable.

To identify what’s consuming your storage:

  1. From the home screen, press Up on the D-pad to access the Function menu.
  2. Select the Settings icon and press X on your controller.
  3. Navigate to Storage > System Storage.
  4. Here, you’ll see a detailed breakdown: Applications, Capture Gallery, Saved Data, and Themes.

How to get more space on PS4? In the following part, this guide offers 4 effective methods. You can pick one according to your needs.

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Method 1. Add an External Hard Drive

How to get more storage on PS4 without deleting games? The most common and straightforward method is adding an external hard drive to your PS4.

It’s affordable, easy to set up, and doesn’t require opening your console or losing data. Sony officially supports external storage for PS4, allowing you to install games, apps, and add-ons directly to the drive.

Not all external drives work with the PS4. Ensure your drive meets these specifications to avoid compatibility issues:

  • System software: Your PS4 must run version 4.50 or later.
  • USB speed: Must support SuperSpeed USB (5Gbps or faster), which includes USB 3.0, USB 3.1 Gen 1, USB 3.1 Gen 2, and USB 3.2 Gen 1/2.
  • Capacity: Between 250GB (minimum) and 8TB (maximum).
  • Drive type: Any external HDD or SSD works, but SSDs offer faster loading.
  • Connection: Direct connection to the PS4. USB hubs or adapters are not supported.

Here are some recommended external hard drives for PS4:

  • Seagate Expansion 4TB HDD: Affordable, reliable, and designed for gaming.
  • Western Digital My Passport 2TB HDD: Compact, portable, and compatible with PS4.
  • Toshiba Canvio Basics 5TB HDD: High-capacity option for serious gamers.
  • Samsung T7 SSD 1TB: Faster load times than HDDs, great for PS4 Pro users seeking performance.

Now, let’s see how to add storage to PS4. Here are two parts.

Part 1. Format the External Hard Drive

According to Sony’s official website, the external hard drive is required to be formatted to FAT32 or exFAT. There are 2 methods that can help you format the external hard drive.

Note:
This erases all data on the drive, so back up any files first.

Option 1. Format the External Hard Drive via PS4

  1. Connect the external hard drive to your PS4 properly.
  2. From the PS4 home screen, go to Settings > Devices > USB Storage Devices.
  3. Choose the external hard drive you connected and select Format as Extended Storage. Then follow the on-screen prompts.
The Format as Extended Storage option selected in the PS4 Settings window.

–image from https://www.playstation.com/

Option 2. Format the External Hard Drive via MiniTool Partition Wizard

To format the external hard drive, you can use MiniTool Partition Wizard. It is a free partition manager that can help you format the drive to FAT32/exFAT.

MiniTool Partition Wizard FreeClick to Download100%Clean & Safe

  1. Download and launch MiniTool Partition Wizard to its main interface.
  2. Highlight the partition on the external hard drive and choose Format Partition from the left action panel.
  3. Select exFAT/FAT32 next to File System.
  4. Click OK and then Apply.
MiniTool Partition Wizard interface with the Format Partition and File System option selected.

Part 2. Set Up the External Hard Drive on PS4

After formatting, it’s time to set it for PS4. Here is the guide:

Step 1. Change the application install location on PS4. This will ensure new games are downloaded directly to the external hard drive.

  1. Select Settings > Storage, and then press the OPTIONS button.
  2. Select Applications Install Location > Extended Storage.
The Extended Storage option selected in the Storage window.

–image from https://www.playstation.com/

Step 2. Move existing apps and games to the external hard drive. Transferring games from internal storage to the external drive can free up space.

Tips:
When an application was moved incompletely or partially updated, it will exist in both internal storage and extended storage. If so, it needs to be removed from one before the extended storage device can be used.
  1. Select Settings > Storage > System Storage.
  2. Select the storage where the application you want to move is located, and then select Applications.
  3. Press the OPTIONS button and select Move to Extended Storage.
  4. Add ticks to the applications you wish to move and select Move.
The Move option selected in the PS4 Applications window.

–image from https://www.playstation.com/

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Method 2. Free Up Internal Storage

The simplest and most cost-effective way to gain storage is to delete content you no longer need. This method requires no additional hardware.

How to free up space on PS4? Follow these targeted steps to clean unnecessary content.

#1. Delete Unplayed Games and Apps

Games are the biggest storage hogs. Many modern games like Call of Duty: Warzone or Red Dead Redemption 2 require 80GB+ of space.

Deleting unplayed games is the fastest way to reclaim storage, and you can always redownload them later from your PSN library or reinstall from disc.

How to delete games/apps:

  1. From the PS4 home screen, go to Settings > Storage > System Storage.
  2. Press the OPTIONS button on your controller, and then select Delete.
  3. Check the boxes next to the games you want to remove, and then select Delete and OK.
Tips:
Deleting a game removes the application files but leaves your saved data intact. This means you can pick up right where you left off if you reinstall later.

#2. Remove Old Saved Data

While saved data typically takes up minimal space, accumulated old saves from games can add up over time.

How to remove saved data:

  1. Go to Settings > Application Saved Data Management.
  2. Choose either System Storage, Online Storage, or USB Storage, and then select Delete.
  3. Select a game and then select the files you wish to delete or Select All.
  4. Select Delete and then select OK to confirm your decision.

#3. Clear Screenshots and Video Clips

The PS4’s Share button makes it easy to capture gameplay moments, but these files can consume significant space.

Review your Capture Gallery and delete duplicates, low-quality clips, or moments you no longer want.

How to delete captures:

  1. From the PS4 home screen, scroll right to the Library and select Capture Gallery.
  2. Select the game or All to view all captures.
  3. Highlight the screenshot or clip you want to delete (hold L1/R1 to select multiple files).
  4. Press the OPTIONS button and select Delete. Then confirm.

#4. Delete Unused Themes and Avatars

Themes and avatars are small, but collecting dozens of them can waste space over time. If you only use one or two themes, delete the rest to free up space.

How to delete themes/avatars:

  1. Go to Settings > Themes (for themes) or Settings > Account Management > Profile > Avatar (for avatars).
  2. Highlight the theme/avatar you want to delete.
  3. Press the OPTIONS button and select Delete, then confirm.

Method 3. Replace Internal Hard Drive

If you want to replace the PS4’s stock internal drive with a larger, faster option (like an SSD), this method offers the best long-term storage solution.

It’s more involved than adding an external drive, but it provides faster load times, more internal space, and a more seamless gaming experience.

PS4 requires a compatible 2.5-inch SATA HDD or SSD and potentially a USB hard drive for the system software.

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Method 4. Use PlayStation Plus Cloud Storage

PlayStation Plus (PS Plus) subscribers get access to 100GB of cloud storage for saved data, which is a great way to free up internal storage without deleting saves. Cloud storage also allows you to access your saves on multiple PS4/PS5 consoles.

How to expand PS4 storage using PS Plus cloud storage? Here is the guide:

Step 1. Enable Automatic Uploads to ensure saves are backed up automatically.

  1. Go to Settings > Power Saving Settings > Set Features Available in Rest Mode.
  2. Select the checkbox next to Stay Connected to the Internet.
  3. Go to Settings > Application Data Management > Auto-Upload.
  4. Select the checkbox next to Enable Automatic Uploads.
  5. Select the games you want to auto-upload or choose All Games.

Step 2. Upload saved data manually to back up immediately.

  1. Go to Settings > Application Saved Data Management > Saved Data in System Storage > Upload to Online Storage.
  2. Select the games and saves to upload. Then confirm.

Step 3. Delete game files from your internal storage and re-download them later if desired.

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How to Get More Storage on PS4 FAQ

1. How do I safely disconnect an external hard drive from PS4?
To safely disconnect an external hard drive from a PS4 while it is on, go to Settings > Devices > USB Storage Devices, select your drive, and choose Stop Using This Extended Storage.
Alternatively, use the Quick Menu by holding the PS button, selecting Sound/Devices, and choosing Stop Using Extended Storage.
2. Does deleting a game delete my saved progress?
No, application data (the game) and saved data (your progress) are stored separately. You can safely delete games and reinstall them later.
3. Can PS4 play PS5 games?
No, PS4 cannot directly run PS5 exclusive games due to its insufficient hardware capabilities. However, you can play PS5 games on PS4 using the Remote Play feature, which streams games from the PS5 console to the PS4.
4. Can you play games from an external hard drive on PS4?
Yes, you can connect a compatible external hard drive to your PS4 console and run PS4 games directly from that drive.
However, you'll need a USB 3.0 or later hard drive and format it as "Extended Storage" in your PS4 settings. This will allow games to be installed to that drive by default, eliminating the need to re-download games when internal storage is low.

Bottom Line

Running out of storage is a common problem for many enthusiastic PS4 players. How to get more storage on PS4? This post offers 4 effective methods for you.

If you have any questions or suggestions on how to use MiniTool Partition Wizard, do not hesitate to contact us via [email protected]. We’ll reply as soon as possible.

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About The Author

Vega
Vega

Position: Columnist

Vega joined MiniTool as an editor after graduation. She enjoys helping people with computer problems, including disk management, data recovery, and more. She is constantly expanding her knowledge in related fields. And she will continue to bring more easy-to-understand professional articles to help people solve various problems on the PC. In her daily life, Vega enjoys hanging out with friends, shopping online and listening to music. She is someone who knows how to enjoy life.

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